Page 50 of Here Comes Santa Paws

Jim flipped me off and laughed. “If she thinks she’s helping me set up you and Elias, she’ll surely say yes. But you and I will know the truth.”

“What’s the truth?”

“That you’re my wingman, and if there’s any issue with my hip, you’ll be there to help. Maybe we could make our next appointment a field trip.”

I saw right through Jim’s weak matchmaking attempt, but I could see the hope in his eyes. I wasn’tthatmuch of an asshole to deny a man a chance at love. Looking at some Christmas lights wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. If I agreed, maybe Elias would reward me for my generosity.

“Fine, but quit stalling. It’s time to do your exercises.”

Jim held up his hand for a high five. Sighing, I slapped his palm with mine.

When I got to my car, I called my mom since we hadn’t talked on the phone in a couple of weeks. She answered on the second ring.

“Hey, sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m good. How are you and Dad?”

“Great. We might be moving to Tennessee in the new year.” She spent a few minutes telling me about Dad’s potential next job.

“That sounds great.” We’d lived in Nashville for about six months when I was in high school. I’d liked it.

“How are things in Illinois?”

“Pretty good. Keeping busy with work.”

Mom asked a few questions about my photography and hiking. “How’s job hunting going? Where will you head off to next?”

I hadn’t told her I’d started applying, but she knew me well enough to know I’d be getting itchy feet by now.

“I’ve put out a few applications. Actually one reached out today and invited me to an interview.”

“Oh! Where is it?” Her voice was eager. My parents supported each of my moves.

“Tucson.”

“I love Arizona. The desert is such a beautiful landscape. You’ll get so many great photos there. Lots of great hikes too.”

As Mom talked about how much she’d enjoyed their stint in Phoenix when I was a baby, I realized that she didn’t ask me whether I wanted to move there. She just assumed because that’s what Schaffers did. We kept moving and exploring new places. We never stayed.

Chapter 21

Elias

I whistledalong to the Christmas music playing from the phone in my pocket and greeted the nearby dogs in their kennels as I walked to a cabinet where we kept their treats. As soon as I reached the cabinet door, a chorus of eager barking erupted. I laughed at Gumdrop hopping in circles. Okay, so I might be abitpredictable. I was the Santa of animal treats.

I shoved a bag of Hank’s treats in my pocket, then took several dogs to the play yard for some fun. Over the next hour, I rotated groups of dogs and played with them. I desperately needed the break from the mountain of admin.

“Hey, Elias. The contractor is here. Want me to take over?” a volunteer asked as he poked his head out the door.

“That would be great. Thanks!” I handed him the treat bag.

He grinned as he shoved the treats in his pocket and tried to distract the dogs jumping around him by throwing the balls.

Laughing, I walked to our lobby and found a tall, broad-shouldered man with olive skin, salt-and-pepper hair, and a thick beard. I still couldn’t believe he’d reached out to me. We’d put out a lot of feelers through our volunteer network and social media, but I was losing hope that someone would actually come through.

“Gage? I’m Elias. Thanks so much for coming out.” I closed the gap between us and held out my hand.

He shook it in a strong, firm grip. “It’s my pleasure. Good to meet you. Want to show me where the damage is?” He had a deep voice like Roman.

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